Olive Comstock

Olive was born in 1808 in Williamstown, Oswego County, New York in the United States to unknown parents.

In 1829 she married Almon Newell in  Oswego County, NY when he was twenty six and she was twenty one. They had four children together.

Their first child, Elliot Alfred, was born on August 29th 1830 in Amboy, NY.

Their second child, Orris Comstock, was born on January 13th, 1834 in Amboy, NY.

Their third child, Cealey Harmon, was born in 1838 in Amboy, NY. He died as an infant somewhere between New York and Nauvoo, IL.

Their fourth and last child, Sarah Olive, was born on January 22nd, 1844 in Nauvoo, IL.

Sarah died in 1845 in Iowa, across the river from Nauvoo, IL at the age of thirty seven.

From "A History of Almon Newell" by Ernest Newell of the Newell Family Organization:

Almon Newell, son of Mahitable Griffin and Moses Newell, was born 28 June 1803 in butternuts, Oswego, New York. The settlers of that region were primarily engaged in farming, hunting and trapping. They travelled up and down Butternut Creek, but seldom went very far from the settlement because the threat of hostile Indians was a real danger at all times. The Indians were very angry because they felt the white man was encroaching upon his territory and would eventually destroy his very existence. Travel was almost impossible. The roads were narrow, rutted wagon tracks and most of the streams lacked bridges. For this reason, most of the Pioneers and early settlers used the waterways wherever possible. Sturdy rafts and barges were built and later the material was used to construct new homes when they found a place to settle. All provisions for the journey and for establishing a new home had to be carried with them.

In about 1829 Almon met and married Olive Comstock of Williamstown, Oswego, New York. They settled in nearby Amboy where two sons, Elliot Alfred and Oris Comstock were born. It was here they first heard the news of the Restored Gospel and were baptized and confirmed members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 1835. We have not been able at this time to trace the route they took to Nauvoo, Illinois, so we can only guess they followed the trails which were prescribed by the Prophet going by wagon train whenever necessary, or using the river boats as often as possible. We know the journey was very hazardous and certainly uncomfortable for all of the pioneers and we can only marvel at the great fortitude and determination as well as the loyal dedication of these early saints. Upon their arrival, or somewhere along the trail (we aren’t certain), another son, Cealey was born and died. Then, in 1844, a daughter, Sarah Olive was born in Nauvoo.

They enjoyed a very short time of peace and rest before the mobs came in and drove them out of their homes. They were forced to cross the Mississippi River in the bitter cold of February, and find what shelter they could on the other side. It was during this trying time that Olive died. We have no record of the cause of her death, but many of the pioneers died of pneumonia and many others of cholera.

Do you know anything about Olive? Do you have any memories, photos or information to add? I would absolutely love to hear from you. Please leave a comment below to add your information. If you have photos to share, please send them to me along with any other information at tomebug (at) gmail (dot) com.